92 points
"92 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2009 is enormous in size, yet broodingly backward, I was somewhat surprised by the astringency of the tannins in this blend of 85% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon. It is a big wine (14.5% alcohol), black purple in color, with huge concentration of fruit and beautiful purity, but a good decade of cellaring is required. From a top terroir, this wine is built for the long haul, and I am sure it will be even better than its relatively conservative rating at this point. Anticipated maturity: 2022-2035." (02/2012)"
Best 2022-2035

rated:
February 1, 2012
,
James Suckling

96 points
"96 points James Suckling: "Gorgeous aromas of crushed blackberries and blueberries, with vanilla bean. Full-bodied, with a solid core of very ripe fruit, toasted oak, milk chocolate and a long finish. Layered and intense. Made from organically grown grapes. Try in 2018." (02/2012)"
Best 2018-

94 points
"94 points Wine Enthusiast: "Very fruity aromas hint that this is a bright wine, its tannins shaded by the red and black berry flavors. The structure is integrated, showing ripe as well as fresh fruit with final flavors of chocolate." (02/2012)"

92 points
"92 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: "(84% merlot, 14% cabernet franc and 2% cabernet sauvignon): Ruby-red. Superripe, high-toned aromas of dark chocolate, minerals and chalk; a bit port-like. Then supersweet in the mouth, with a distinctly exotic aspect to the dark fruit and mineral flavors. Finishes with substantial ripe tannins and a slight youthful aggressiveness. I expected more restraint and verve for this normally low-pH wine from a late-ripening site on the plateau east of the village, but fans of exotically ripe merlot will love this." (07/2012)"